The holidays are a time for silver and gold, as the old Christmas carol goes, but for many it’s gold in particular, sparkling with a diamond (or diamonds) and awaiting a ring finger to adorn.

The holiday season is a time when more couples get engaged, “more ... than any other time during the calendar year,” according to Brides magazine.

“Engagement rings and diamonds are our bread and butter,” said Nick Lavdas of Lavdas in Warren.

Jewelers definitely see more business around the Christmas holidays. Of course sometimes it’s to buy the wife or girlfriend a pair of diamond studs, but couples are definitely getting engaged -- perfect for a grand announcement at the family gathering, perhaps.

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While that tradition hasn’t changed, how it’s done has. Now it’s not so much a surprise for the future bride-to-be, but more a joint decision for the couple, said Harry Thompson of Maloof Jewelry and Gifts in St. Clair Shores.

Also, these days a big splurge isn’t so likely, with an economy that is still tight and gold selling at sky-high rates -- in the neighborhood of $1,700 an ounce -- people are feeling somewhat conservative about their jewelry purchases.

“People are still buying, but it’s just not as extravagant these days,” said Steve Hintiryan of Herman’s Creations.

After all, there are engagements and other big life events to commemorate, and jewelry is still a fine and lasting way to do just that.

“People want things they can wear all the time,” Hintiryan said, of the present trends.

And just like you wouldn’t marry someone on the spot, being impulsive with the ring purchase isn’t advised either.

When a couple has decided to tie the knot, there’s a lot of research and planning ahead. One of the earliest decisions is the ring. Experts at Lavdas, Maloof and Herman’s all -- stressed the importance of being schooled in rocks, knowing things like the diamond’s four C’s -- clarity, cut, color and carats -- as well as budget considerations and the style.

They also advise visiting bricks-and-mortar establishments, preferably ones that have been around for years.

“Come in; we’ll school you,” said Lavdas. They’ll also give written prices to potential customers, and Lavdas said he often tells people to shop around to make sure they’re getting the best bang for their buck. Consider your budget, whether you want a big stone, the quality you seek. People may head to the Internet for research, which is great, and shopping around online is fine, too, but make sure anything you buy is refundable, just in case, Thompson said.

With most jewelers doing custom work the number of ring options stretches into infinity, so a professional can help.

“We talk to the customer and see what they want, and what they are looking for,” said Hintiryan. “Everybody wants something different, (and they always want) something unique.”

Tastes tend to be divided between antique-inspired and modern settings. Ultimately Hintiryan advises timelessness, something that will offer “years and years of wear.”

Choices can reflect a trend or an era. Fifteen to 20 years ago, Marquis-cut diamonds were hot, said Thompson. Now, round and square (aka Princess) cuts are trendy, as are cushions, basically a square with rounded corners. As for settings, both a big centerpiece stone and clusters are popular.

Pave diamonds or micro-settings do well these days. “It’s not that expensive, and has a real nice look to it,” Thompson said.

As for metals, white gold rules the engagement ring roost these days while platinum is falling out of favor. “It’s not so invincible,” Lavdas said. Pair that with its higher price tag, and it’s easy to see why.